1. Describe the differences between specific phobias, social phobias, and agoraphobia.
  • Agoraphobia
    • The person experiences anxiety about being trapped in places. Places seemed to be filled and crowded and the person might trigger a panic attack.
    • Situations are avoided or endured with great distress or anxiety about having a panic attack.
  • Social Phobia
    • The person fears or is anxious about experiencing public embarrassment or humiliation in social or performance situations.
    • Being in such situations creates intense anxiety and possibly a panic attack.
    • The person knows that the fear is excessive and irrational.
    • Social or performance situations are avoided or endured with great distress.
    • The condition disrupts their ability to function at work or school and causes them to withdraw from social activities and/or relationships, or the fact that they have the phobia causes them distress.
    • The condition persists for at least 6 months in people over the age of 18.
  • Specific Phobia
    • The person experiences excessive or irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
    • Exposure to the object or situation causes an immediate anxiety response or a panic attack.
    • The person knows that the fear is excessive and irrational.
    • The object or situation is endured with distress or avoided.
    • Avoidance, anticipatory anxiety, or distress during exposure to the feared object or situation interferes with the person's ability to function in normal daily activities. The person may have distress about having the phobia

2. What symptoms do children with generalized anxiety disorder have?
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and unrealistic worry about everyday things. Children with generalized disorder display exaggerated apprehension. They often expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern. People with GAD feel hopless about their future and anticipate disaster. Adults with this disorder are particularly concerned about money, health, work, or other things beyond their control.
Like other anxiety disorders, GAD is treatable. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for many people, helping them to identify, understand, and modify faulty thinking and behavior patterns. This enables people with GAD learn to control their worry. Some with GAD also take medication.
When their anxiety level is mild, people with GAD can function socially and be gainfully employed. Although they may not avoid some situations because they have the disorder, some people can have difficulty carrying out the simplest daily activities when their anxiety is severe.

3.
Why is it difficult for individuals with panic disorder get a correct diagnosis?

Diagnosis of panic disorder can be difficult because several other physical and mental disorders are associated with panic attacks. You will need a thorough physical and mental evaluation before a proper diagnosis can be made. Diagnosis of panic attack should be based on a proper evaluation and the correct criteria

4. Describe the methods used to treat anxiety disorders.
Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves
It may enhance the effects of therapy.
It is important not to take any medication without consulting the doctor.
The family is very important in the recovery of a person with an anxiety disorder. Ideally, the family should be supportive but not overly emotional about their loved one’s symptoms.